AN AUTOMOBILE-INTEGRATED SYSTEM FOR ASSESSING AND REACTING TO DRIVER COGNITIVE LOAD

This paper describes an experiment to assess a drivers cognitive load through sensors embedded throughout a specially designed test vehicle. The sensors tracked a variety of driver activities, reactions reflexes, passenger interaction, driver attention as well as driving conditions. The data were compiled to assess the cognitive and stress load on the driver based on computer modeling. The authors suggest that on-board computer systems could assist drivers in helping them decide the best time to change the radio station, put in a CD or talk on a cell phone. The authors state that they hoped to determine the most stressful driving conditions and driving errors as a first step toward reducing driving distraction risks.